A horse's back is a highly complex structure which was never intended to support weight on top. So it is wise, if a horse becomes reluctant to work or begins acting out uncharacteristically, to consider the vulnerable back area sooner rather than later.
The most common symptom of back problems is an unwillingness to do the tasks previously carried out effortlessly. Early identification and correction of painful back conditions can prevent your horse from having to resort to agressive behaviour or even throwing you off in effort to relieve its pain. Expert veterinary advice is needed as it is very easy to mistake indications of a sore back as signs of leg lameness or bad behaviour.
Possible Causes
Unfitness: If you've asked your horse to work much harder than his normal workload Injury: A fall or near fall can wrench back muscles or damage ligaments or tendons or even wrench bones from their normal position or fracture vertebrae. Soreness will turn up suddenly in the case of an accident, call your vet to help assess the injury. Lameness:Back problems are often secondary to lameness.
The Rider: You may be a pain in the back for your horse! If you're crooked or unbalanced in the saddle he will have to compensate.
Poor jumping: If you or he consistently jump too long extra stress is placed on the back. Get someone to evaluate your jumping form and perhaps attend a session to retrain you/him. Have an instructor check out your riding style, they may be able to help you recognise and overcome problems that are hurting your horse's back.
The Going: If you are asking your horse to do hard work on slippery or deep footing it can make your horse's back sore from overwork. If you plan to work your horse on the beach in deep sand make sure that his fitness is up to it.
Shoes: Incorrect shoes may make him brace his back to relieve the stress on his heels or the back of his legs. Long toes can also cause him to trip (catching a toe behind) and this may cause back injury. Make sure his hooves are properly trimmed and you don't let too much time pass between farriers visits. (Shoeing on time is cheaper than vets bills!)
Teeth: Dental discomfort may be causing tension through the jaw and poll. Get you vet or horse dentist to check that all is ok, esp back molars.
Bones: Arthritis, stress fractures and chiropractic problems will all cause back soreness. X-rays and bone scans (gamma scintigraphy) are the only way to diagnose this type of problem, and the solution usually involves rest and rehab. However, fractures will cause severe back pain and any touch will be strongly resented, so careful handling is required.
Systemic: Back soreness can ocasionally be a symptom of some other disease or condition. If they have general skin or muscle soreness you may notice it more in the back due to the pressure of riding. Restricted blood flow to the muscles areas of hypothermia are usually a sign of neuromuscular disorder. Blood flow is restricted to the affected areas which starves them of oxygen and nutrient supply. Thermal imaging may show up this condition and physiotherapy, or acupuncture may help resolve the problem.
Badly fitting or damaged saddle: Pressure on the back, pinching or a too narrow saddle that digs into your horse's back can cause major damage including hair loss, inflammation and acute pain and muscle wastage. Repeated pressure can cause fluid build up under the skin causing bursae or boils. Poorly fitting saddles are one of the most common reasons for back pain in your horse (and the easiest to put right)
Conformation: Horses may inherit or be born with abnormally formed spines. Roach backs, dipped backs or scoliosis may not be painful for the horse but may make some movements difficult and\or limit the horse's ability to perform. Long backs are at greater risk of muscle and soft tissue problems while short backed horses are at more risk of bony disorders.
Once a vet has established the cause of your horse's back pain,
he or she can advice you on the best way to resolve the problem
and prevent any future recurrence.
